Which Teams are Already in for the 2029 Club World Cup?

The race to the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup is heating up and although the tournament is still four years away, the road to qualification has already begun. 

After the dramatic climax of the most recent edition, where Chelsea edged out Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling final, attention has quickly shifted to the next chapter of this global tournament. 

And so far, four clubs have punched their tickets.

Who’s already in?

As things stand, just four of the 32 available slots have been officially filled, each earned through continental glory:

• Cruz Azul (Mexico) – Champions of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup
  
• Paris Saint-Germain (France) – Winners of the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League
  
• Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) – Victors of the 2024–25 AFC Champions League
  
• Pyramids FC (Egypt) – Secured their place by winning the 2024–25 CAF Champions League
  

These early qualifiers offer a glimpse into the diversity this expanded tournament promises, with clubs from Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America already represented.

How the tournament is shaping up

The 2029 edition will feature 32 clubs, making it one of FIFA’s biggest and most ambitious tournaments yet. Each continental confederation has been allocated a specific number of slots:

• Europe (UEFA): 12 clubs — 4 Champions League winners (2025–2028) and 8 others based on a club ranking system
  
• South America (CONMEBOL): 6 clubs — 4 Copa Libertadores winners and 2 by ranking
  
• Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), and North America (CONCACAF): 4 each
  
• Oceania (OFC): 1 club
  
• Host country: 1 automatic slot
  

While only four clubs are confirmed so far, more will qualify as continental tournaments conclude and rankings solidify in the coming years.

Who’s still in the mix?

Global giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona haven’t qualified yet, which adds even more intrigue to the upcoming seasons. Both clubs will likely aim to secure their place either through UEFA rankings or by winning the Champions League in the ongoing cycle.

On the other side of the world, clubs in South America will fight it out through the Copa Libertadores, with Brazilian and Argentine teams likely to dominate the ranking spots.

And then there’s the host nation. 

Though FIFA hasn’t made a final decision, Brazil has already submitted a bid, alongside Spain, Portugal, and the United States. Whoever lands the hosting rights will see one of its local clubs join the tournament automatically.

What to expect next

The path to the 2029 Club World Cup is long, but the stakes are already sky-high. With only four slots filled and 28 more up for grabs, the global football scene is bracing for years of intense competition, rankings drama, and continental rivalries.

It’s still early, but the tournament’s outline is beginning to take shape and fans can already dream of what promises to be another unforgettable Club World Cup.